Pumping device for viscous slurry material

ABSTRACT

A device for pumping a viscous slurry material. In one aspect, the pumping device is dimensioned to be insertable into the space between the side jambs of a standard building doorway. The pumping device is self-propelled and a mixer is removably attachable to the device for movement therewith. The pumping device includes a containment hopper and a swing tube pump having a swing tube with a wiper blade that agitates the viscous slurry material in the containment hopper. The pumping device has a frame assembled from multiple laser cut components. The pumping device is provided with a precision-machined manifold having a plurality of internal passageways directing a flow of hydraulic fluid to various pump components. A removable panel covers an aperture in a side wall of the containment hopper and is removable to provide access to the interior of the hopper for cleaning.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pumping device and, in particular, to aportable device operative to pump viscous slurry materials and that isreadily positionable in enclosed spaces and restricted-accessapplication sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various pumping devices are commonly used in the application, laying,pouring, spraying or placement of viscous slurry materials, such asconcrete, plaster, mortar, shotcrete, grout, gunite, refractories andthe like. The pumping device is operative for moving the viscous slurrymaterial from a transport truck mixer or other source to the applicationsite. Pumping devices for such viscous slurry materials have beentraditionally rendered mobile for transport to and use at theapplication site by integration with a conventional vehicle or bymounting on a trailer for towing by a conventional vehicle. However,conventional pumping devices are impractical for placing viscous slurrymaterials in enclosed spaces, remote locations beyond the throw ofconventional pumps, or application sites with restricted physicalaccess.

Most pumping devices include a hopper that receives successive suppliesof viscous slurry material from the mixer and that holds the viscousslurry material for pumping from the hopper to a supply line that endsat the placement location of the application site. Typically, pumpingoperations require a mixer operative for providing multiple supplies ofthe viscous slurry material to the hopper of the pumping device. Themixer must likewise be transported to the job site and positioned in alocation proximate to the pumping device.

One common type of pump is an swing tube pump having a pair of movablepistons and an S-shaped swing tube with an inlet immersed in the viscousslurry material and a discharge outlet rotatably attached to a dischargeport of the hopper. The swing tube is adapted for unidirectional flow ofcement under pressure from the discharge outlet in response to themovement of the rams of the pistons. However, swing tube pumps suffersfrom a significant deficiency in that the S-shape of the swing tubecreates a stagnant volume of viscous slurry material near the bottom,usually s-curved, of the hopper. The viscous slurry material in thisstagnant volume is not periodically pumped from the hopper. As a result,the viscous slurry material in the stagnant volume thickens, whichhinders the operation of the pumping device and reduces the pumpingefficiency.

After the pumping device is used, the hopper and other portions of thepumping device exposed to the viscous slurry material are contaminatedwith residues. The hopper is thoroughly cleaned with a stream of waterthat dissolves the residues and suspends particles therein. However, thehoppers of conventional pumping devices lack a convenient means foreffectively draining the soiled water from the interior of the hopper.Typically, it is inconvenient or impossible to simply tilt the hopper topermit the soiled water to drain from the inlet opening into which theviscous slurry material is provided from the mixer. Drain ports aretypically provided on a bottom surface of the hopper. However, thepositions of such ports are not readily accessible for manual removal.As a result, draining the soiled water from the hopper is a non-trivialtask.

Conventional pumping devices include a pump that is hydraulicallypowered and a hydraulic system that routes the hydraulic fluid forcontrolling the operation of the pump. Such hydraulic control systemsrely on multiple hydraulic lines or hoses that interconnect the variouscomponents constituting the system. These conventional hydraulic systemshave significant disadvantages, including their relatively large sizeand the relatively large number of hoses required to provide the systeminterconnections. In addition, large numbers of hoses are difficult tomaintain and introduce numerous locations in the hydraulic system atwhich leaks may develop.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved pumping device for viscousslurry materials that can be positioned in enclosed spaces andrestricted-access application sites. Furthermore, there is a need for animproved pumping device for viscous slurry materials that facilitatescleaning of the hopper, that provides thorough mixing in all portions ofthe hopper, that reduces the complexity and size of the hydraulicsystem, and/or that better cooperates with mixers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a pumping device for viscous slurry materialsthat, in one aspect, can be positioned in enclosed spaces andrestricted-access areas. The pumping device of the present inventionachieves this objective by defining a footprint between opposite lateralsides spaced apart by a width of the apparatus so dimensioned as to beinsertable into the space between the side jambs of a standardwalkthrough man-door. The pumping device has various components,including a hopper having an upper opening adapted to receive theviscous slurry material and an outlet below the upper opening adapted toeject the viscous slurry material, a swing tube pump adapted to pump theviscous slurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the hopperoutlet, and rolling support members movably supporting the frame. Theswing tube pump includes a swing tube in the hopper and a piston pumpoperatively associated with the swing tube. According to principles ofthe invention, the components of the pumping device are substantiallyentirely between at least the opposite lateral sides of the footprint.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is provided an improved pumping devicefor viscous slurry materials that is self-contained and that is readilymovable on the rolling support members including movement, for example,through the space between the side jambs of the standard walkthroughman-door. As a result, the pumping device may be readily positioned intoand out of enclosed spaces and restricted-access application sites and,in certain embodiments, the pumping device may provide the motive powerto move a releasably attachable mixer into such spaces and sites.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping device forviscous slurry materials that thoroughly mixes the viscous slurrymaterial in all portions of the hopper. The pumping device of thepresent invention achieves this objective by providing a swing tube witha wiper blade that conforms to the curvature of a concave surface belowthe swing tube inside the hopper. The pumping device includes the hopperhaving an upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurry materialand an outlet below the upper opening adapted to eject the viscousslurry material, and the bottom wall below the opening and outletdefining the concave surface in the hopper, and a swing tube pumpadapted to pump the viscous slurry material from the hopper to beejected out of the hopper outlet. The swing tube pump includes the swingtube adapted to move relative to the concave surface and a piston pumpoperatively associated with the swing tube.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is provided a pumping apparatus thatis capable of agitating the viscous slurry material located in the spacebetween the swing tube and the concave surface of the hopper. Thisprovides thorough mixing of the entire volume of viscous slurry materialwhile contained in the hopper and awaiting pumping.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping device forviscous slurry materials that has a simpler and physically smallerhydraulic system. The pumping device of the present invention achievesthis objective by providing a control unit for the pumping device with ablock manifold having numerous internal passageways and various valvescontrolling the flow of hydraulic fluid to a pump. The control unit issupported on a frame of the pumping device and is operatively coupled toa power unit and the pump. Also supported on the frame is the power unitoperatively coupled to the swing tube. The power unit includes ahydraulic pump capable of pumping hydraulic fluid and a power supplyoperatively coupled with the hydraulic pump.

By virtue of the foregoing, the pumping device for viscous slurrymaterials is provided with a simpler and physically compact hydraulicsystem due to the introduction of a manifold that is compact and thatrequires fewer hoses to establish the requisite external hydraulicconnections.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping device forviscous slurry materials that cooperates with multiple types of mixers.The pumping device of the present invention achieves this objective byproviding a mixer movably supported on rollers so as to be movabletowards and away from the frame of the pump. The mixer further includesone or more engagement elements normally at the elevation of any one ormore complementary engagement elements of the frame so as to beengageable therewith by moving the pump and mixer together laterally andwithout providing temporary stilts for, or lifting, the mixer. Thepumping device further includes a hopper supported by the frame adjacentto the frame-side engagement elements and having an upper openingadapted to receive the viscous slurry material and an outlet below theupper opening adapted to eject the viscous slurry material, and a pumpadapted to pump the viscous slurry material from the hopper to beejected out of the outlet.

By virtue of the foregoing, the mixer is positionable, when attached tothe frame, for providing successive supplies of the viscous slurrymaterial to the hopper through its upper opening. Also when engaged, themixer is movable on its rollers with the pump so as to be transportedabout the work site with the assistance of motive power provided from aself-propelled pumping device. The ability to select among variousmixers provides versatility and flexibility in matching a particularmixer to the pumping device.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall bemade apparent from the accompanying drawings and description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrates an embodiment of the inventionand, together with a general description of the invention given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment given below, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a pumping device embodyingprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of another mixer for use with thepumping device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the pumping device of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the pumping device of FIG. 1, shown with thepumping device inserted between the side jambs of a standard walkthroughman-door;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one end of the pumping device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the containment hopper and swingtube pump of the pumping device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is side view showing a portion of the pumping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partially-disassembled end view of a portion of the pumpingdevice of FIG. 1, illustrated with the removable panel in the removedposition; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the hydraulic control system of thepumping device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a pumping device operative for pumping viscousslurry materials, including concrete, plaster, mortar, shotcrete, grout,gunite, refractories and the like, that typically consist of anaggregate or particles, such as grains of sand or gravel, suspended in aviscous base liquid. The pumping device of the present invention has acompact size without a concomitant sacrifice of pumping capacity whencompared with conventional pumping devices.

With reference to FIG. 1, a pumping device 10 operative to pump viscousslurry material 11 (FIG. 7) includes a frame 12, a containment hopper 14supported at one longitudinal end 15 of the frame 12, a power unit 16supported at an opposite longitudinal end 17 of the frame 12, ahydraulic control system 18 mounted centrally to the frame 12, a controlunit 20 mounted to frame 12, and a pump 22 mounted to a lower portion offrame 12. The control unit 20 projects vertically at least partiallyabove the frame 12 and is operatively coupled with the power unit 16,the pump 22, and hydraulic control system 18. The pumping device 10 maybe equipped with a remote control (not shown) that interfaces with thecontrol unit 20 for controlling the operation of pumping device 10.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the frame 12 has a pair ofrelatively large rolling support members or wheels 23 at the firstlongitudinal end 15 and a pair of pivotally mounted rolling supportmembers or wheels 24 at longitudinal end 17 that collectively rollinglysupport frame 12. Wheels 24 are pivotal about a vertical axis to permitdirectional guidance or steering of the pumping device 10. Thecontainment hopper 14 is mounted to frame 12 generally above wheels 23and the power unit 16 is mounted to frame 12 generally above wheels 24.

The power unit 16 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic motor 19 thatdrives at least one of the wheels 23 with power transferred by a driveassembly 26 known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as aconventional belt-and-pulley drive or a conventional chain-and-sprocketdrive. The power unit 16 provides motive power for self-propelling thepumping device 10. The power unit 16 may be selected from gas, diesel,and propane internal combustion engines and electric motors.Advantageously, at least 18 horsepower to 25 horsepower motors are used,although lower horsepower motors may be used where the motor provideshigh torque. A suitable unbalanced pressure or force applied to a guidebar 28 provided at longitudinal end 17 causes the pumping device 10 tobe steered or directionally guided by pivoting of wheels 24. The guidebar 28 may include a deadman's safety switch interfaced with thehydraulic control system 18 and the control unit 20. Advantageously,pump 10 is, overall, of sufficiently low weight so that it can be movedon its wheels 23 and 24 without motor assistance by pushing or pullingon guide bar 28.

With reference to FIG. 2, the frame 12 of the pumping device 10 mayadvantageously be assembled from components that are laser cut fromsheets of material, such as with a numerically controlled laser cuttingsystem. The frame 12 includes a pair of lower, longitudinally-extendingside members 30, a pair of upper, longitudinally-extending side members32, a plurality of, for example, six vertical members 34 interconnectingside members 30 and 32, a pair of transversely-spaced attachment members36 at longitudinal end 17 for guide bar 28, and a plurality oftransversely-extending cross members 38. The members 30, 32, 34, 36 and38 collectively provide an open support network for supporting thecomponents of the pumping device 10, including containment hopper 14 andpump 22. For example, the containment hopper 14 is supported atlongitudinal end 15 by a pair of laterally-spaced support surfaces 39,40 to which hopper 14 is attached by conventional fasteners and the pump22 is attached with conventional fasteners to frame 12.

With reference to FIG. 3, the pumping device 10 has a length defined bythe distance between one longitudinal extremum at longitudinal end 17and an opposite longitudinal extremum at longitudinal end 15. Theextrema, indicated generally by reference numerals 42 and 43 in FIG. 1,are defined as the lengthwise, outermost points of the structure ofpumping device 10 and may vary according to the configuration of device10. The pumping device 10 also has opposite lateral sides 44, 46 thatare spaced apart by a width, D₁, so dimensioned as to be insertable intothe space between confronting side jambs 48, 49 of a standardwalkthrough man-door 50 having a width D₂ (typically about 30 inches).The longitudinal extrema 42, 43 and the lateral sides 44, 46collectively define a footprint and the frame 12, the containment hopper14, the pump 22, and the wheels 23, 24 are positioned substantiallyentirely between the opposite lateral sides 44, 46 of the footprint. Thepumping device 10 is self-contained and is readily movable on the wheels23, 24, such as between the side jambs 48, 49, so that the pumpingdevice 10 can be moved through standard walkthrough man-door 50 andpositioned readily in enclosed spaces or restricted-access areas thatconventional pumping apparatus cannot access. In an exemplaryembodiment, the distance or width between the lateral sides 44, 46 isabout 29 inches.

With reference to FIG. 1, a mixing apparatus or mixer 52 is provided foruse with the pumping device 10 and is removably attachable to the frame12, as will be described below. The mixer includes a support frame 53, adrum or mixing basin 58 mounted to the support frame 53, and alaterally-spaced pair of pair of rolling support members or wheels 59attached to a lower portion of the support frame 53. The mixer 52 isadapted to mix an amount of viscous slurry material from, for example, aquantity of dry mix and a volume of water loaded into a drum or mixingbasin 58 of the mixer 52. To that end, the mixer 52 includes a mixingelement (not shown) positioned in the mixing basin 58 operable foragitating and thoroughly mixing the dry mix and water to form theviscous slurry material. After the viscous slurry material is fullymixed by the mixer 52, the mixing basin 58 is tipped to load thecontainment hopper 14 with the amount of slurry material. As the viscousslurry material within the containment hopper 14 is depleted by thepumping operation, successive batches of viscous slurry material areprepared using the mixer 52. The successive batches are loadedperiodically into the containment hopper 14, thereby maintaining acontinuous pumping operation.

The mixer 52 includes a pair of hydraulic lines 54, 55 that are adaptedwith fittings to couple releasably in fluid communication withcomplementary fittings carried by the hydraulic control system 18. As aresult, the pumping device 10 can provide power to a hydraulic motor 56powering the mixing element of mixer 52. It is understood that the mixer52 may be self-powered and, therefor, independent of hydraulic powerprovided by the pumping device 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the support frame 53 of mixer 52includes at least one but advantageously a pair of laterally-spaced arms64, 65 that extend outwardly away in a parallel fashion and pins 62, 63mounted on respective arms 64, 65. At least one but advantageously apair of laterally-spaced pivotal latches 60, 61 are mounted on oppositelateral sides of the containment hopper 14. Each of the pivotal latches60, 61 includes a keeper 57 that is pivotal about a respectivehorizontal pivot axis generally aligned in the lateral direction. Eachkeeper 57 is pivotal between a secured position (FIGS. 1 and 4) thatcaptures a respective one of the respective pins 62, 63 in a recess in arespective one of the pivotal latches 60, 61 and an unsecured position(not shown). In the unsecured position, the pins 62, 63 are disengagedfrom the pivotal latches 60, 61 so that the mixer 52 is not engaged withthe frame 12 of the pumping device 10 and the mixer 52 is readilymovable on wheels 59. Pivotal latches 60, 61 and pins 62, 63 compriseconventional, complementary engagement elements that are configured toprovide a releasable engagement between frame 12 and mixer 52. Thecomplementary engagement elements are at the same level or elevationwhen mixer 52 is separated from pump 10 so that mixer 52 may be movedlaterally into and out of engagement with pump 10 without the need fortemporary stilts for, or lifting of, mixer 10. It is apparent that thereleasable engagement between frame 12 and mixer 52 may be provided byother types of complementary engagement structures familiar to personsof ordinary skill in the art.

In use, the mixer 52 may be manipulated manually on its wheels 59 sothat the pins 62, 63 on arms 64, 65 move into and out of engagement withrespective ones of the pivotal latches 60, 61. When the pins 62, 63 aresecured by the keepers 57, the frame 12 and the mixer 52 are engaged andare movable as a unit with propulsion provided by the pumping device 10.However, it is appreciated that the mixer 52 is movable separately fromthe frame 12 when the pins 62, 63 are disengaged from the pivotallatches 60, 61.

With reference to FIG. 4, the frame 12 includes a laterally-spaced pairof support surfaces 66, 67 that may support the arms 64, 65 when areengaged with each other. However, the invention is not so limited andthe mechanical support between the frame 12 and mixer 52 may be limitedto the physical contact between the pivotal latches 60, 61 and the pins62, 63. When the mixer 52 is attached to the frame 12, the mixer 52 ispositioned relative to the pumping device 10 for providing successivesupplies of viscous slurry material 11 (FIG. 5) to the containmenthopper 14.

The pumping device 10 is configured to be removably attachable withmultiple different types of mixing apparatus. For example and withreference to FIG. 1A, a pan mixer 69 is shown, which is operative formixing amounts of viscous slurry material 11 (FIG. 5) and providingfully mixed viscous slurry material 11 to the containment hopper 14 ofthe pumping device 10 via trap door mechanism 69 a. Mixer 69 is likewiseremovably attachable to the pumping device 10 with arms 64 a, 65 ahaving respective pins 62 a, 63 a that are adapted to releasably engagepivotal latches 60, 61 by moving mixer 69 laterally into and out ofposition with pump 10. Mixers 52 and 66 may be freely interchanged foruse with pumping device 10 without limitation so that the specific typeof mixing apparatus can be tailored to the specific type of viscousslurry material 11 being mixed. Additionally, other types of mixers maybe used with pumping device 10, such as a continuous mixer (not shown),and which may advantageously be provided with arms and pins (both notshown) to engage with latches 60 and/or 61.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the containment hopper 14 includes adownwardly converging, polygonal funnel portion 68, a curved bottom wall70, opposite side walls 71, 73 that longitudinally enclose the bottomwall 70, an upper opening 72 surrounded by portions of the funnelportion 68 and adapted to receive the viscous slurry material 11, and adischarge outlet fitting 74 extending though side wall 73 at a positionbelow the upper opening 72. The outlet fixture 74 is generally tubularand is adapted with an internal passageway 75 of a circularcross-section. Viscous slurry material 11 is discharged from thecontainment hopper 14 through the passageway 75 under the action of pump22. The funnel portion 68 and gravity direct the viscous slurry from themixer 52 into the containment hopper 14 and guide the viscous slurrymaterial to fill the hopper 14 from the curved bottom wall 70 upwardlytoward the upper opening 72. The curved bottom wall 70 defines a concaveinner surface 76 which is wetted by the viscous slurry material duringuse.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pump 22 of the pumping apparatus 10is illustrated as a swing tube pump adapted to pump the viscous slurrymaterial from the containment hopper 14 to be ejected out of thedischarge outlet fitting 74, generally in the direction indicated byarrow 77 (FIG. 5). The discharge outlet fitting 74 is connected to aninlet end of a hose (not shown), through which the viscous slurrymaterial is conveyed to an outlet end of the hose at a desiredapplication site.

The pump 22 includes a swing tube 78 (FIG. 5) horizontally disposedwithin a lower portion of the containment hopper 14 and a pair of pistonpumps 80, 81 (FIG. 6) attached to a bottom portion of frame 12. Thepiston pumps 80, 81 are operatively associated with the swing tube 78and are hydraulically coupled with the hydraulic control system 18,which regulates their pumping action and coordinates their pumpingaction synchronously with the oscillatory movement of the swing tube 78.The pump 22 may be constructed in a manner that eliminates the need fora water box, such as are used in conventional swing tube pumps, byproviding one or more flexible fluid hoses 82 (FIGS. 1 and 6) extendingfrom the piston pumps 80, 81. The hoses 82 may be in fluidcommunication, as shown, or may each terminate separately. The fluidhoses 82 permit ingress and egress of a fluid that provides a cleaningaction on the drive rods or rams (not shown) of piston pumps 80, 81. Thefluid hoses 82 are readily routed between piston pumps 80, 81 throughthe open support network furnished by frame 12. A swing tube pump havingthis construction is disclosed in commonly-assigned and co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/898,798 filed on Jul. 5, 2001 andentitled “Slurry Piston Pump,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. With the use ofhose(s) 82, the size of pump 10 is not too large as might typically bethought to occur with a standard water box. However, a standard waterbox may be employed in certain applications.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the hydraulic control system18 is also hydraulically coupled with a hydraulic shift cylinder 128(FIG. 8) that periodically moves a relatively-pivotal, segmented shiftarm (not shown) for moving or oscillating the swing tube 78 relative tothe inner concave surface 76 of the containment hopper 14. Theoscillatory motion of the swing tube 78 periodically aligns a circularinlet opening (not shown) in a rearward inlet end 84 of the swing tube78 with the line of movement of one of the rams (not shown) of thepiston pumps 80, 81. The piston pumps 80, 81 are supported by aspectacle flange 87 (FIG. 5) having suitable intake/discharge openings(not shown) that permits the rams to alternatingly to pump successivevolumes of viscous slurry material into and out of the front ends of thepiston pumps 80, 81. The inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78 receivessuccessive volumes of viscous slurry material under the action of thepiston pumps 80, 81. The viscous slurry material is transported throughan internal passageway (not shown) of the swing tube 78 to a flangedforward end 86 in fluid communication with the passageway 75 of theoutlet fixture 74. The flanged forward end 86 is mounted for rotation toside wall 73 of the containment hopper 14 to accommodate the oscillationof the swing tube 78.

According to an aspect of the invention and with reference to FIG. 5, awiper blade 88 projects downwardly from an exterior side portion of theswing tube 78 toward the concave inner surface 76 of the containmenthopper 14. A bottom edge 90 of the wiper blade 88 has a curvature thatclosed conforms to the curvature of the concave inner surface 76 so thatthe two are substantially coextensive. Typically, concave inner surface76 will have uniform radius of curvature over the range of movement ofthe wiper blade 88 and the bottom edge 78 will be substantially linear.The wiper blade 88 provides a substantially planar panel that isdimensioned and configured to fill the open space between the undersideof the swing tube 78 and the concave inner surface 76. As the swing tube78 oscillates, the wiper blade 88 operates to agitate the viscous slurrymaterial located between the underside of the swing tube 78 and theconcave inner surface 76. Blade 88 is advantageously a flat wall piece,as shown, but could alternatively be a wedge to further move the slurrymaterial toward the piston pumps 80, 81.

With reference to FIG. 7, an aperture 92 is provided in sidewall 73 ofthe containment hopper 14 and located vertically between the dischargeoutlet fitting 74 and a portion of concave inner surface 76 so as not tobe in the bottom wall 70. Sidewall 73 may also be considered the rearwall of hopper 14. The aperture 92 is normally closed by a removablepanel 94. A pair of spaced-apart notched arms 99 are attached to theexterior of side wall 73 adjacent to the periphery of the aperture 92. Apair of swing latches 93, 95 are pivotally attached to an exteriorportion of removable panel 94 and are movable, as indicated generally byarrows 97, between a secured condition, shown in dashed lines, and areleased condition, shown in full lines. In the secured condition, aside portion of each of the swing latches 93, 95 is captured within oneof the notched arms 99. When swing latches 93, 95 are in the releasedcondition, the removable panel 94 is removed from the aperture 92 sothat the interior of the containment hopper 14 is accessible forcleaning, such a draining cleaning liquid introduced through upperopening 72.

Another removable panel 96 may be attached to removable panel 94 and isdimensioned and configured to fill at least a portion of aperture 92. Agasket sheet 98 is positioned between the removable panels 94, 96 andoverlaps portions of the side wall 73 about the periphery of theaperture 92. The overlapping portion of gasket sheet 98 provides asubstantially fluid-tight seal between the panel 94 and the periphery ofthe aperture 92 when panel 94 is in the secured condition. When theremovable panels 94, 96 are installed in aperture 92, the interiorsurface of the side wall 73 is substantially smooth and continuous dueto the presence of removable panel 96 and lacks any areas that wouldreadily trap amounts of viscous slurry material.

The hydraulic control system 18 includes a control manifold 102 formedof a metal block precision drilled with multiple passageways (see FIG.8). A plurality of flow control devices 103 are within or appending fromthe metal block, and a plurality of hoses (not shown) couple multipleoutlet ports of the passageways of the control manifold 102 into fluidcommunication with flow control devices 103. For example, the hydrauliccontrol system 18 routes pressurized hydraulic fluid for controlling thecyclical application of the hydraulic pressure to piston pumps 80, 81and correlating the application of hydraulic pressure to operate pistonpumps 80, 81 with the application of hydraulic pressure that providesthe oscillating movement of the swing tube 78. The hydraulic pressure isselectively applied so that the inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78 ispositioned relative to one or the other of the piston pumps 80, 81 forreceiving successive volumes of viscous slurry material 11.

With reference to FIG. 8, a hydraulic circuit, indicated generally byreference numeral 100, for the hydraulic control system 18 (FIG. 1) isdiagrammatically illustrated. The hydraulic control system 18 consistsof the manifold, indicated generally on FIG. 8 by reference numeral 102,having the form of a generally rectangular block of aluminum, and thehydraulic circuit 100, which includes numerous interconnected internalpassageways machined in the manifold 102. The hydraulic circuit 100controls the operation of the pump 22, the hydraulic motor 19 thatdrives at least one of the wheels 23 and, optionally, the hydraulicmotor 56 powering the mixing element of mixer 52.

The control system 18 includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump104 energized by power unit 16. Hydraulic pump 104 is a variabledisplacement pump which has an output that can be changed by varying thespeed of power unit 16. Power unit 16 is powered on and off by a switch106 provided on control unit 20 (FIG. 1). The hydraulic pump 106withdraws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 108 through a suctionstrainer 109 and provides pressurized hydraulic fluid via a supply line110 to a passageway 112 in manifold 102 and via line 111 to a passageway113 in manifold 102. A pressure gauge 115 senses the hydraulic pressurein passageway 112 via passageway 114 and provides a visual indication ofthe hydraulic pressure. A relief valve 116 in passageway 118 monitorsthe pressure in passageway 112 and diverts the pressurized hydraulicfluid from passageway 112 back to the reservoir 108 over passageway 120and line 122 if the pressure exceeds a given threshold.

Two solenoid-operated two-way directional-control valves 124, 126regulate the diversion of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a double-actinghydraulic cylinder 128 that supplies the motive power to oscillate theswing tube 78 and the piston pumps 80, 81 under the control of aconventional pumping electrical circuit (not shown) that synchronizesthe oscillation of the swing tube 78 with the operation of the pistonpumps 80, 81. Such timing electrical circuits are known to those ofordinary skill in the art and may include, for example, proximityswitches on the piston pumps 80, 81 that indicate when the respectivepiston (not shown) is at the opposite extremes of its stroke.Pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided from directional-control valve124 through passageway 125 in manifold 102 to a solenoid-operatedfour-way directional-control valve 130. Pressurized hydraulic fluid isdirected through a passageway 131 in manifold 102 to the line 122 influid communication with reservoir 108. A check valve 129 is provide inpassageway 125 and a pressure reducer 127 is provided in passageway 131.

The hydraulic cylinder 128 has a movable piston (not shown) dividing theinterior into a rod end portion and a head end portion, a head end-portend at the head end, and a rod-end port at a rod end, as understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art. Pressurized hydraulic fluid issuppled from four-way directional-control valve 130 via passageway 132in manifold 102 and line 134 to the head-end port and returned to thefour-way directional-control valve 130 via passageway 136 in manifold102 and line 138 from the rod end port to the reservoir 108. This flowdirectionality extends the piston to position the swing tube 78 toreceive viscous slurry material from piston pump 80. The flow paths forthe pressurized hydraulic fluid are reversed to retract the piston ofhydraulic cylinder 128 so that pressurized hydraulic fluid is suppliedto the rod end port via passageway 136 and line 138 and returned fromthe head end port to the reservoir via passageway 132 and line 134.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 in which the piston of piston pump 80is extended, pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to asolenoid-operated two-way directional-control valve 140 fromsolenoid-operated two-way directional-control valve 124 via passageways142 and 144 in manifold 102. Passageway 142 includes a check valve 146and a needle valve 147 that is operative for controlling the speed ofpiston pumps 80, 81 by regulating the volumetric flow of pressurizedhydraulic fluid to pumps 80, 81. The piston pumps 80, 81 have the formof double-acting hydraulic cylinders, each having a movable piston (notshown) dividing the interior into a rod end portion and a head endportion, a head end-port end at the head end, and a rod-end port at arod end, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As shownin FIG. 8, the solenoid-operated two-way directional-control valve 140is switched to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid through a passageway148 in manifold 102 and a line 150 to the head-end port of piston pump80 and to drain pressurized hydraulic fluid from the head-end port ofpiston pump 81 via a line 152, a passageway 154 in manifold 102, thepassageway 120 and the line 122 to reservoir 108. The rod-end ports ofthe piston pumps 80, 81 are both connected to a line 156 leading to apassageway 158 in manifold 102. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is withdrawnand supplied, as required, from passageway 158 via passageways 160, 162,respectively, in manifold 102. Passageway 160 includes a relief valve164 that permits pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow into passageway 120above a threshold pressure. Passageway 162 includes a check valve 166, arelief valve 168 selectively connected at a threshold pressure withpassageway 169 in manifold 102 that is in fluid communication with thepassageway 120. Passageway 162 is in fluid communication with thetwo-way directional-control valve 126. To extend the piston of pistonpump 81, two-way directional-control valve 140 reverses the flow pathsfor the pressurized hydraulic fluid so that pressurized hydraulic fluidis supplied to the head-end port of pump 81 via line 152 and passageway154 and returned from the head-end port of pump 80 to the reservoir viapassageway 148 and line 150. A pressure switch 170 is connected viapassageway 171 to passageway 125 and is operative for switching valves124, 126 to provide the two fluid flow conditions that alternatinglymove the piston pumps 80, 81 and the hydraulic cylinder 128 for swingtube 78.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, hydraulic pump 172, powered byhydraulic pump 104, withdraws hydraulic fluid via stainer 173 from thereservoir 108 through a strainer and provides pressurized hydraulicfluid over hydraulic line 174 to a passageway 176 in manifold 102. Arelief valve 178 in passageway 176 monitors the pressure passageway 179and diverts the pressurized hydraulic fluid from passageway 176 back tothe reservoir 108 over passageway 186 and line 188 if the pressureexceeds a given threshold. A oil cooler 190 and a filter 192 are coupledin fluid communication with line 188. Oil cooler 190 includes amotorized blower 194 with switched power controlled by switch 196 whichis operable to reduce the temperature of the pressurized hydraulicfluid. Filter 192 continuously removes contamination, such as foreignparticles, that accumulate in the hydraulic fluid.

Passageway 176 branches into a passageway 180 connected to asolenoid-operated four-way directional-control valve 181, and into apassageway 182 connected to a solenoid-operated four-waydirectional-control valve 183. A needle valve 177 is provide inpassageway 180. One side of each of the four-way directional-controlvalves 181, 183 is connected in series by a passageway 184. Four-waydirectional-control valve 181 is operative for selectively andbidirectionally providing pressurized hydraulic fluid through a pair ofpassageways 198, 199 in manifold 102 to a respective pair of lines 200,201 that are in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor 19 drivingat least one of the wheels 23 (FIG. 1). A pair of cross-port reliefvalves 202, 203 and a needle valve 204 interconnect the passageways 198,199. A switch 206 is provided for actuating one solenoid of four-waydirectional-control valve 181 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulicfluid into passageway 198 and line 200 operative to rotate the hydraulicmotor 19 in a, for example, forward direction. Similarly, a switch 208is provided for actuating the other solenoid of four-waydirectional-control valve 181 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulicfluid into passageway 199 and line 201 operative to rotate the hydraulicmotor 19 in a, for example, reverse direction.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, four-way directional-control valve183 selectively and bidirectionally provides pressurized hydraulic fluidthrough a pair of passageways 122, 123 in manifold 102 to a pair ofauxiliary ports 211, 213 on an outer surface of manifold 102. Theauxiliary ports 211, 213 are provided with quick disconnect fittings forthe attachment of lines for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to,for example, mixers, tools, and chemical systems. For example, hydrauliclines 54, 55 of mixer 52 are provided with complementary quickdisconnect fittings so that the pressurized hydraulic fluid can betransferred from the auxiliary outlet ports 211, 213 to a hydraulicmotor 56 providing rotational kinetic energy to the mixer 52 (FIG. 1). Aswitch 214 is provided for actuating one solenoid of four-waydirectional-control valve 183 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulicfluid into passageway 210 to port 211 and, for example, line 55operative to rotate the hydraulic motor 56 in a, for example, forwarddirection. Similarly, a switch 216 is provided for actuating the othersolenoid of four-way directional-control valve 183 to direct a flow ofpressurized hydraulic fluid into passageway 212 to port 213 and, forexample, line 54 operative to rotate the hydraulic motor 56 in a, forexample, reverse direction. The circuitry used for controlling theswitches 206, 208, 214 and 216 is conventional and familiar to those ofordinary skill in the art.

A sight glass 220 and filter breather 222 are coupled in fluidcommunication with to a passageway in manifold 102 that is furthercoupled with the passageway 125. An accumulator 224 is coupled in fluidcommunication with a passageway 225 in manifold 102 that leads to thepassageway 125. A dump valve 226 is provided for exhausting thepressurized hydraulic fluid to the reservoir 108 over passageway 120 andline 122.

In use, the mixer 52 is associated with the frame 12 of pumping device10 by moving mixer 52 and pump 10 laterally together to engage pivotallatches 60, 61 with pins 62, 63. Switch 106 of control system 18 isactuated to start operation of power unit 16, which in turn energizeshydraulic pumps 104 and 172 to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid tothe hydraulic circuit 104. The pumping device 10 and mixer 52 arecollectively moved to a location proximate the application site byswitching switches 206, 208 as needed to provide forward and rearwardpropulsion by selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid fromhydraulic pump 172 to hydraulic motor 19, which drives at least one ofwheels 23 via drive assembly 26. The guide bar 28 is used to manuallydirect the pumping device 10 by pivoting wheels 24. The pumping device10 may be positioned in enclosed spaces and restricted-access areas,unaccessible to convention pumping devices, for applying or deliveringviscous slurry material. For example, the pumping device 10 isdimensioned to be insertable into the space between confronting sidejambs 48, 49 of a standard walkthrough man-door 50, as described above.However, the present invention is not so limited and its is understoodthat pumping device 10 may be positioned at application sites that arereadily accessible to conventional pumping devices and used thereafterto apply viscous slurry material.

At the application site, switches 206, 208 as switched as required toterminate propulsion of the pumping device 10 by discontinuing theprovision of hydraulic pressure to hydraulic pump 172. After being fixedin position, one end of a distribution hose (not shown) is attached influid communication with the discharge outlet fitting 74. Thedistribution hose may be extended either horizontally or vertically, orin both dimensions and a discharge nozzle is attached to an opposite endof hose. Compressed air may be provided from a compressor (not shown) tosuitable outlets adjacent to or within the discharge nozzle foroperations that spray the viscous slurry material from application.

The mixer 52 is utilized to mix an amount of viscous slurry material,which is supplied to the upper opening 72 in containment hopper 14.Hydraulic lines 54, 55 of mixer 52 are connected to the ports 211, 212of hydraulic control system 18 for providing power to agitate and mixthe viscous slurry material. Successive batches of viscous slurrymaterial are prepared using the mixer 52 and provided to the pumpingdevice 10 as the viscous slurry material within the containment hopper14 is depleted during application.

To pump the viscous slurry material from the containment hopper 14 intothe hose for subsequent application, the pumping electrical circuit (notshown) is energized to initiate the operation of the piston pumps 80, 81and the hydraulic cylinder 128 oscillating the swing tube 78. Theapplication of the hydraulic pressure from hydraulic pump 104 to thepiston pumps 80, 81 is timed cyclically with the movement of the swingtube 74 by the action of hydraulic cylinder 128, also from hydraulicpressure supplied from hydraulic pump 104. Pressurized hydraulic fluidis selectively applied when the inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78 isperiodically and alternatingly positioned relative to one or the otherof the piston pumps 80, 81. The hydraulic circuit 100 accomplishes thissynchronous performance by the operation of valves 124, 126, 130, and140, which diverts the pressurized hydraulic fluid as required to pistonpumps 80, 81 and hydraulic cylinder 128.

During operation, hydraulic pressure is provided to the head-end portand relieved from the rod-end port of hydraulic cylinder 128 to alignthe inlet end 84 of swing tube 78 with the line of discharge of viscousslurry material from piston pump 80. Hydraulic pressure is provided tothe head-end port of piston pump 80 and relieved from the head-end portof piston pump 81 so that piston pump 80 extends to perform a dischargestroke that discharges a volume of viscous slurry material and pistonpump 81 retracts to perform an intake stroke that intakes a volume ofviscous slurry material. When the discharge stroke of piston pump 80 hasbeen completed, hydraulic pressure is provided to the rod-end port andrelieved from the head-end port of hydraulic cylinder 128 to align theinlet end 84 of swing tube 78 with the line of discharge of viscousslurry material from piston pump 81. The hydraulic pressure to thehead-end port of piston pump 80 is relieved and hydraulic pressure isprovided to the head end port of piston pump 81. The pressurization andrelease steps are repeated cyclically to provide a flow of viscousslurry material to the internal passageway 75 of discharge outletfitting 74.

After application is complete, the pumping device 10 and mixer 52 arecollectively or separately removed from the application site byswitching switches 206, 208 as needed to provide forward and rearwardpropulsion by selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid fromhydraulic pump 172 to hydraulic motor 19, which drives at least one ofwheels 23 via drive assembly 26. The guide bar 28 is used to manuallydirect the pumping device 10 by pivoting wheels 24. The pumping device10 is cleaned to place it in a state suitable for storage until the nextuse. In particular, residual viscous slurry material in the containmenthopper 14 is removed by providing a flow of a cleansing fluid, such aswater, to the upper opening 72 and draining the soiled cleansing fluidfrom the aperture 92 in side wall 73. The aperture 92 is opened bypivoting swing latches 93, 95 from the secured condition to the releasedcondition and removing removable panels 94, 96 that normally occludesaperture 92.

As can be seen, pumping device 10 is self contained, and need notinclude any seat or cab portion as is typical of large truck concretepump systems, and so can be handled and moved about by a single user(not shown) while standing on the ground.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofan embodiment thereof and specific examples, and while the embodimenthas been described in considerable detail, it is not intended torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. For example, it is contemplated that thepumping device present invention is not limited to having a swing tubepump and may be configured with other types of pumps, such as a ballvalve pump. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore notlimited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methodsand illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departuresmay be made from such details without departing from the scope or spiritof applicant's general inventive concept.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus forpumping a viscous slurry material, the apparatus defining a footprintbetween opposite lateral sides and opposite front and back ends, theopposite lateral sides of the footprint spaced apart by a width of theapparatus so dimensioned as to be insertable into the space between theside jambs of a standard walkthrough man-door, the apparatus comprisingsubstantially entirely between at least the opposite lateral sides ofthe footprint: a frame; a hopper supported on the frame, the hopperhaving an upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurry materialtherethrough and an outlet below the upper opening adapted to eject theviscous slurry material; a swing tube pump adapted to pump the viscousslurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the hopper outlet,the swing tube pump including a swing tube in the hopper and a pistonpump operatively associated with the swing tube; and rolling supportmembers movably supporting the frame; wherein the apparatus isself-contained and is readily movable on the rolling support membersincluding movement through the space between the side jambs of thestandard walkthrough man-door.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a power unit supported on the frame and operatively coupledto at least the swing tube pump; and a control unit supported on theframe and operatively coupled to the power unit for controllingoperation of the swing tube pump.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 whereinthe power unit is further operatively coupled to the rolling supportmembers, the power unit provides motive power to at least one of therolling supporting members so that the apparatus is self-propelled. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the control unit controls the operationof the rolling support members.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a power unit supported on the frame and operatively coupledto at least the swing tube pump, and wherein the frame has a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end spaced apart from thefirst longitudinal end, the hopper located at the first longitudinal endand the power unit located at the second longitudinal end.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the power unit includes a hydraulic pumpand a power source selected from the group consisting of a gasolineengine and an electric motor.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theframe has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end spacedapart from the first longitudinal end, and the rolling support membersinclude a plurality of laterally-spaced first wheels proximate the firstlongitudinal end and a plurality of laterally-spaced second wheelsmounted proximate the second longitudinal end.
 8. The apparatus of claim7 wherein the first wheels having a larger diametric dimension than thesecond wheels members.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the secondwheels are pivotally connected to the frame and the second longitudinalend of the frame includes a guide member operable for directing thetravel path of the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theframe includes at least one pair of longitudinally extending members anda plurality of cross members extending transversely therebetween, the atleast one pair of longitudinally extending members and the plurality ofcross members providing an open support network for at least the hopperand the swing tube pump.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprisinga mixer operable for mixing the supply of viscous slurry material andthereafter providing the supply of viscous slurry material to thehopper, the mixer releasably attachable to the frame and so dimensionedas to be insertable into the space between the side jambs of thestandard building doorway.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 furthercomprising a power unit supported on the frame and operatively coupledto at least the swing tube pump, the power unit capable of being furtheroperatively coupled to the mixer for providing hydraulic power theretofor mixing the supply of the viscous slurry material.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the frame has a height so dimensioned as to beinsertable into the space between an overhead jamb of the standardwalkthrough man-door and a surface spaced vertically from the overheadjamb and with which the rolling support members are engaged.
 14. Anapparatus for pumping a viscous slurry material, comprising: a framehaving at least a first engagement element; a hopper supported by theframe adjacent the first engagement element at a first elevation, thehopper having an upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurrymaterial therethrough and an outlet below the upper opening adapted toeject the viscous slurry material; a pump adapted to pump the viscousslurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the outlet; and afirst mixer being movably supported on a rotatable member and beingadapted to be removably attached to the frame, the first mixer includingat least a second engagement element at the same elevation as the firstengagement element and adapted to engage the first engagement element ofthe frame when the first mixer and frame are laterally moved together,whereby when attached, the first mixer is positioned to provide a supplyof the viscous slurry material to the hopper through the upper openingthereof, the first mixer and frame being attachable together withoutrequiring that the mixer be held up on stilts or lifted.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein the first mixer includes a pair ofspaced-apart arms and the frame includes a spaced-apart pair of supportsurfaces capable of support the arms when the first and secondengagement elements are engaged.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 furthercomprising: a power unit supported on the frame and operatively coupledto at least the pump; and a control unit supported on the frame andoperatively coupled to the power unit and at least the pump, the powerunit and control unit being further selectively operatively coupled tothe first mixer when the first mixer is attached to the frame.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the power unit further supplies hydraulicpower to the first mixer.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14 furthercomprising: first wheels movably supporting the frame such that theframe and the first mixer are movable as a unit when the first andsecond engagement elements are engaged, and the first mixer may be movedseparately from the frame when the first and second engagement elementsare disengaged.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the firstengagement member is a pivotal latch and the second engagement member isa pin adapted to actuate the pivotal latch for securing the first mixerto the frame by engagement of the pin and the pivotal latch.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 14 further comprising a second mixer being movablysupported on a rotatable member and being adapted to be removablyattached to the frame, the second mixer including at least a thirdengagement element at the same elevation as the first engagement elementand adapted to engage the first engagement element of the frame when thesecond mixer and frame arc laterally moved together, whereby whenattached, the second mixer is positioned to provide a supply of theviscous slurry material to the hopper through the upper opening thereof,the first and the second mixers being selectively and separatelyremovably attachable to the frame.
 21. An apparatus for pumping aviscous slurry material, comprising: a frame; a hopper mounted to theframe, the hopper having an upper opening adapted to receive the viscousslurry material therethrough, an outlet below the upper opening adaptedto eject the viscous slurry material, and a bottom wall below theopening and outlet defining a concave surface in the hopper; and a swingtube pump adapted to pump the viscous slurry material from the hopper tobe ejected out of the hopper outlet, the swing tube pump mounted to theframe and including a swing tube in the hopper adapted to move relativeto the concave surface in the hopper and a piston pump operativelyassociated with the swing tube, the swing tube further including a wiperblade affixed thereto and conforming to the curvature of the concavesurface in the hopper, whereby to agitate the viscous slurry materiallocated between the swing tube and concave surface.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 21 wherein the hopper includes a side wall extending between thebottom wall and the upper opening, the side wall having an aperturetherethrough communicating into the hopper, and a first removable panelcovering the side wall aperture and normally closing the side wallaperture, the aperture located between the outlet and concave surfaceand the first removable panel being removable from the aperture toaccess the hopper for cleaning thereof.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22wherein the hopper includes a second removable panel dimensioned andconfigured to fill at least a portion of the side wall aperture and agasket sheet positioned between the first and the second removablepanels.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first removable panelfills the side wall aperture so that interior of the side wall of thehopper is substantially smooth and continuous.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 21 wherein at least a portion of the swing tube is spared from theconcave surface to provide an opening and the wiper blade substantiallyfills the opening.
 26. An apparatus for pumping a viscous slurrymaterial, comprising: a frame; a hopper having an upper opening adaptedto receive the viscous slurry material therethrough and an outlet belowthe upper opening adapted to eject the viscous slurry material, thehopper further having a side wall with an aperture therethroughcommunicating into the hopper; a swing tube pump adapted to pump theviscous slurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the hopperoutlet, the swing tube pump including a swing tube in the hopper and apiston pump operatively coupled with the swing tube; and a firstremovable panel associated with the hopper side wall and normallyclosing the side wall aperture, the first removable panel beingremovable from the aperture to access the hopper for cleaning thereof.27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the hopper includes a bottomsurface below the swing tube, the side wall aperture being situatedbetween the bottom surface and the swing tube.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 26 wherein the hopper includes a second removable paneldimensioned and configured to fill at least a portion of the side wallaperture and a gasket sheet positioned between the first and the secondremovable panels.
 29. An apparatus for pumping a viscous slurrymaterial, comprising: a frame; a hopper supported on the frame, thehopper having an upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurrymaterial therethrough and an outlet below the upper opening adapted toeject the viscous slurry material; a swing tube pump adapted to pump theviscous slurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the hopperoutlet; rolling support members movably supporting the frame with theframe being sized to be manipulated and moved on the roller supportmembers by a user standing on the ground; and a power unit supported onthe frame and operatively coupled to the system tube pump and therolling support members, the power unit adapted to selectively providemotive power to at least one of the rolling supporting members so thatthe apparatus is self-propelled.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 whereinthe frame has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal endspaced apart from the first longitudinal end, and the rolling supportmembers include a plurality of laterally-spaced first wheels proximatethe first longitudinal end and a plurality of laterally-spaced secondwheels mounted proximate the second longitudinal end.
 31. The apparatusof claim 30 wherein the first wheels having a larger diametric dimensionthan the second wheels members.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30 whereinthe second wheels are pivotally connected to the frame and the secondlongitudinal end of the frame includes a guide member operable fordirecting the travel path of the apparatus.
 33. The apparatus of claim29 further comprising a mixer adapted to be removably attached to theframe, so that when the first mixer is attached to the frame, the mixeris positioned to provide a supply of the viscous slurry material to thehopper through the upper opening thereof.
 34. The apparatus of claim 29wherein the frame and the mixer are movable as a unit when the mixer isattached to the frame.
 35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the powerunit is operatively coupled with the mixer for providing power theretofor mixing the supply of the viscous slurry material.
 36. An apparatusfor pumping a viscous slurry material, comprising: a frame assembledfrom sections formed by laser cutting; a hopper supported by the frame,the hopper having an upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurrymaterial therethrough and an outlet below the upper opening adapted toeject the viscous slurry material; and a pump adapted to pump theviscous slurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the outlet.37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the frame includes at least onepair of longitudinally extending members and a plurality of crossmembers extending transversely therebetween, the at least one pair oflongitudinally extending members and the plurality of cross membersproviding an open support network for at least the hopper and the pump.38. An apparatus for pumping a viscous slurry material, comprising: aframe; a hopper supported on the frame, the hopper having an upperopening adapted to receive the viscous slurry material therethrough andan outlet below the upper opening adapted to eject the viscous slurrymaterial; a pump adapted to pump the viscous slurry material from thehopper to be ejected out of the hopper outlet; a power unit supported onthe frame and operatively coupled to the swing tube pump, the power unitincluding a hydraulic pump capable of pumping hydraulic fluid and apower supply operatively coupled with the hydraulic pump; and a controlunit supported on the frame and operatively coupled to the power unitand at least the pump, the control unit including a block manifold withnumerous internal passageways and various valves controlling the flow ofhydraulic fluid to the pump, wherein the manifold being a single blockof material having drill formed internal passageways.